The role of extracellular matrix factors (e.g., mechanics, chemistry) in regulating cell behavior is widely accepted. However, decoupling their independent contributions has been challenging. Thus, biomaterials that provide near independent control of mechanics and chemistry to examine cell behaviors are desirable. To this end, we developed a core-shell electrospun nanofiber platform that permits systematic study of the effects of mechanics and surface chemistry on a model cell system: glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer cells.Nanofiber mechanics was independently modulated using different polymers (gelatin, polyethersulfone, polydimethylsiloxane) in the 'core' of the fiber with a common poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) 'shell'. These materials revealed GBM sensitivity to nanofiber mechanics. Similarly, modulating nanofiber surface chemistry using hyaluronic acid (HA) in the 'shell' with a PCL 'core' revealed GBM sensitivity to HA, in which a negative effect on migration was observed. These nanofibers are currently being integrated with hydrogels to study cell behaviors across biomaterial interfaces.

Tuning mechanics and surface chemistry independently in biomaterial scaffolds to modulate cell behavior

245th National Meeting (2013)

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